Monday Mentions: Planet Dog and Dogged Journalist

I have the best job in the world. I not only get to write about pets, but also interview terrific pet people, and read their work. This past week I had the distinct honor to review two fantastic new books by my colleagues, both about cat behavior and helping owners better understand their furry wonders. I also got to interview the Executive Director of “Planet Dog Foundation.” And I just read a terrific feature by a dogged journalist (also a friend and colleague). Today’s blog has something for everyone, the best of what the pet writing world has to offer.

My Pet Peeves radio show this week features Kristen Smith, Brand Ambassador for Planet Dog and the Executive Director of Planet Dog Foundation. She describes some of the terrific pet-dreams their organization has helped come true! By the way, my Magical-Dawg is a big fan of Planet Dog toys—and each time you purchase a toy, you make a donation to a worthy doggy cause! Learn how Planet Dog Foundation is “playing” it forward.

Marilyn Krieger’s terrific new book challenges the assumption that cats can’t be trained. She describes the most common cat behavior complaints, why cats indulge in “naughty” behavior, and explains how training can resolve these issues using positive training methods including clicker training. Visit Marilyn’s “The Cat Coach” website and read the review of this outstanding book, Naughty No More.

Finally, my friend Brian Lowney is a talented pet journalist who has been writing about pets for more than a decade. He is a past president of the Wampanoag Kennel Club, an active dog show judge and shares his home with two shelter-adopted cats. All of Brian’s columns are available online at http://pets.SouthCoastToday.com. He writes,

“I have had pets all of my life and each one was loving and unique. These animals have inspired me as a writer and journalist, and have led me on a a fascinating journey filled with fun, excitement and wonderful people. Pictured here is Mickey, my 10 year-old rescue cat.”

Here’s Brian’s latest article, on diabetic alert dogs—oh, and in a former life I had the pleasure of teaching Katie Jane mentioned in the article. Small world!

“For diabetics, an alert service dog could truly be their best friend. Katie Jane Brashier, 15, is a typical high school sophomore who’s involved in many activities at school and in the community. Four years ago, she was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. A diabetic alert dog named Shots warns the active teen when her blood glucose level is too high or low. Read the rest of the article here.